DEFINING OUR PERSONAL BRAND THROUGH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

In this self-paced virtual classroom experience, learners set out to discover their natural leadership characteristics. Through emotional intelligence practices and self-assessment tools we uncover individual behavioural strengths. Once revealed, these innate characteristics are further refined to mirror those of “extraordinary humans”.

This session is broken into online modules where learners will:

• Take inventory of individual leadership characteristics through a series of self-awareness exercises.
• Identify natural (hardwired) strengths that can be leveraged to grow extraordinary leadership competencies.
• Develop an authentic personal brand, built on a set of behaviours that are inextricably linked to success in any role.

At the end of this learning experience learners will be able to:

1. 1. 1. Articulate their character strengths
      2. Identify moments when they are functioning in a “Higher Self” mode
      3. Map the origin of strengths and gaps by recognizing “hardwired” tendencies and triggers
      4. Define and practice within the 4 quadrants of EQ: Awareness of self, awareness of others, control of self, influence of others
      5. Explain the difference between “victimized” and “victimhood”
      6. Define some attributes that make up “personal brand” and identify behaviours to work on

UNCOVERING CHARACTER STRENGTHS

At the very core of our being, there are natural character strengths – positive parts of our personality that inform how we think, feel and behave. Scientists have identified 24 character strengths that we have the capacity to express, however, there are a handful that truly define our “authentic self.” We can go through life completely unaware of these hardwired character strengths or we can leverage them to become the best version of ourselves. Our character is the foundation upon which we build a “brand” or a reputation. If we invest time discovering our unique character strengths, we can apply them in a deliberate way and live “on purpose”. Using the VIA survey, learners will uncover their unique set of character strengths. This is the first step on a journey towards heightened self-awareness and authenticity.

DEFINING YOUR BEST SELF

Knowing the character strengths that serve the very best version of yourself is the most critical step toward living and leading “on purpose”. All too often “leadership” traits are presented as a checklist that dictates what actions you should pay attention to in order to reach the pinnacle of success. Authentic leadership is directly linked to “personhood” – and is developed by adopting a holistic view of your natural strengths and virtues – and linking them to the behaviours that best serve your personal “brand”. Through a mindfulness practice, learners will identify experiences where their character strengths have been leveraged. They will use their awareness of personal character as they explore universal behaviours of extraordinary leaders (and extraordinary humans in general).

UNDERSTANDING WHAT KNOCKS YOU OUT OF “HIGHER SELF”

We are all hardwired. The “nature/nurture” forces that shape the way you see, interpret and judge the world around you are undeniable. Developing a profound awareness of how your brain is wired to take in and deliver information helps you understand why you behave, react or respond in certain ways. The DiSC behavioural index is a personality based assessment that is not about character strengths – but it does shed a light on why some virtues resonate more intensely with you than others. In this module, learners will complete the DiSC assessment – a non-judgmental tool that increases self-knowledge around how people respond to conflict, what motivates them, what causes stress, and how they solve problems. Understanding how “lenses and filters” are created in the first place also sheds light on stress and anger triggers. As important as knowing what elevates you to a higher self is knowing what can knock you down.

HOW VICTIMS RECLAIM STRENGTH THROUGH THE POWER OF EQ

A victim is one who has had to temporarily relinquish control; typically control over immediate circumstances (i.e. victim of a crime, victim of layoffs, victim of an affair, victim of bullying or harsh criticism, etc). Victimhood is when one defines him or herself by those circumstances – beyond the immediate impact – allowing the victimizing conditions to become a barrier to moving forward. Through mindfulness practices that draw from EQ, learners will explore defining moments that may have launched them into victimhood and will identify a personalized path to rise above circumstances and reclaim control.

THE HEAVY LIFTING – CREATING A STRAW DOG FOR PERSONAL BRAND

This module invites learners to continue along the path of self-discovery by organizing their individualized personality findings into a storyboard that highlights their strengths, values and behavioural preferences. The result of this work will be a clear understanding of the individual’s “authentic brand” and a roadmap that will leverage those natural, hardwired attributes on the path to extraordinary.

RESILIENCE, OPTIMISM AND VULNERABILITY

This self-paced virtual classroom experience explores 5 behaviours that extraordinary people seem to have in common. These behaviours transcend industries or fields of practice – they are “ways of being” that differentiate good from extraordinary. Unlike “trainable” skills, these 5 behaviours can be “cultivated” by nurturing and growing “hardwired” traits as discovered in Step One. The unexpected truth is that the most successful people in the world have very different personalities and styles, but share 5 common characteristics that shape their philosophy and define their success: resilience, resolve, vulnerability, optimism and a relentless commitment to reciprocal accountability.

This session is broken into a series of online modules where learners will:

• Explore the true definition of resilience and practice the art and science of leading a team through adversity.
• Discuss and determine the role of a leader in charting the course, providing consistent messaging, and demonstrating unwavering resolve in honouring “purpose”.
• Recognize that vulnerability lives in the space where resolve meets adversity.
• Practice vulnerability-based trust and recognize the balancing act necessary to maintain credibility and respect in the face of uncertainty.
• Explore the fundamentals of growing optimism through a practice of gratitude.

At the end of this learning experience learners will be able to:

1. 1. 1. Recognize and articulate the idea that successful people can be diverse in their “styles” but share a handful of unexpected attributes that are difference makers on the path to becoming extraordinary
      2. Find that their “Higher Self” shows up in the spaces of resilience and vulnerability
      3. Practice gratitude and develop optimism
      4. Demonstrate the importance of consistency in communication and showing resolve when working through a challenge
      5. Balance the ability to be vulnerable with the need to maintain credibility

THE PATH TO “EXTRAORDINARY”

The path to extraordinary begins at the intersection between individual character strengths and universal attributes of inspiring leaders. The first step toward “extraordinary” is authenticity. Knowing how you can leverage your most honored virtues, unique strengths and hard-wired traits to develop your personal interpretation of extraordinary is critical. In this module, learners will explore the five shared behaviours of extraordinary leadership and will identify how their natural styles and strongly held beliefs can serve to develop the five universal behaviours without compromising their own unique brand.

RESILIENCE AND IMPERFECTIONS

Extraordinary people demonstrate resilience in a unique and inspired way. They do not spin their wheels trying to “bounce back” from adversity. They realize instead that there is no “going back” to the way things were. They embrace their fears of the unknown and move through the hardship – accepting the idea that things have forever changed. Pushing forward instead of sliding back requires a reassessment of major influencers that will either support or resist change. In this module, learners will practice the powerful and liberating acts of “purging” and “validating” as they uncover and then dissect relationships with people, rituals/habits and stories that either keep them “stuck” or empower them to move forward.

OPTIMISM AND THE PRACTICE OF GRATITUDE

Fascinating new research confirms that optimism is a behaviour that the majority of extraordinary humans share. This optimistic mindset is innate for some, and learned for others. In this module, learners will explore the neuroscience behind a positive outlook with a view to understanding how the chemicals released when optimism prevails have a positive impact on overall health. One of the most powerful strategies to grow an optimistic mindset is to practice gratitude on a regular basis. The art and science of a solid gratitude practice will be discussed and learners will be encouraged to seek an authentic and meaningful gratitude exercise.

BEING “REAL” IN THE FACE OF A CHALLENGE

Resilience, vulnerability, optimism and gratitude are universal behaviours and practices that predict success. None of these are relevant if they compromise an individual’s grasp on reality. Keeping things “real” means recognizing things that you can change and things that you can’t. “Extraordinary” requires an exceptionally clear vision of what is within our circle of control, circle of influence and circle of concern – then recognizing where the majority of energy and brain power is being spent. A reality-based approach is one in which you accept some circumstances as “truth”, rise above some circumstances, and exercise influence to change some circumstances. Learners will explore adversity and map challenges or issues within their three “circles” in an effort to reallocate negative energy and paint a clear picture of the reality in which they MUST find joy and success.

WHAT IF THEY FIND OUT THAT I AM …?

Scared? Weak? Imperfect? Human? Many extraordinary leaders have struggled with the balance between showing vulnerability and credibility. Dr. Brené Brown has invested years studying the connections between being vulnerable and being a strong leader – or simply a strong human. All of the practices of extraordinary leaders require a degree of emotional exposure or risk. All of the difficult conversations and breakthrough ideas are born from vulnerability. People who fear being wrong, being rejected, hurt, or ridiculed will never be able to reach their highest potential. In this module, learners will embrace vulnerability and identify how it is inextricably connected to authentic leadership and personhood.

A SERVANTILE APPROACH TO ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP

In the realm of extraordinary leadership, the strength of a leader is measured as a function of his/her ability to empower and develop the team. Strength is not measured by the leader’s personal successes, but by the success of his/her people.

In this class learners will:

• Discover the importance of “empowerment”, building an aware, accountable and fully present team.
• Learn what “joint accountability” looks like from a leader’s lens, and how to identify “victims” in the “ownership” arena.
• Practice coaching techniques that address low accountability on a team.

At the end of this learning experience learners will be able to:

1. 1. 1. Recognize that true leadership is not linked to title or rank but to “personhood” and “behaviours”
      2. Define accountability as a critical mindset that serves to reduce stress and increase joy
      3. Differentiate between “reality” and “stories”
      4. Recognize “joint accountability” in action
      5. Be responsible for their own happiness and help others rise above circumstances

THE JOURNEY TOWARD LEADERSHIP MATURITY

John Maxwell’s work defines five levels of leadership. Unlike traditional hierarchies in organizations, where someone’s “level” is linked to position and title, Maxwell’s model focuses on developing leadership maturity regardless of role. In this module, learners will explore the idea that leadership is a mindset and not a title. Extraordinary leaders sit anywhere within or outside of a workplace. Using Maxwell’s paradigm, learners will discover that the journey from level one to level five leadership is one in which “personhood” matters more than authority.

FINDING “JOY” THROUGH PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

“Stress” – the kind that can really harm you – is a result of your body’s biochemical response to a perceived threat. Many of life’s experiences can induce the same kind of brain activity that we would expect if we were in serious danger. Our amygdala – the epicenter of emotional processing – cannot discern between life threatening events and a traffic jam…it only recognizes that you feel a “threat” and it signals to release “fight or flight” hormones. This mechanism served humans well back in the day of the sabretooth tiger. Today, stress hormones are regularly released into the body and that steady “drip” can cause all kinds of emotional and physical harm. Understanding and then deescalating the “threats” are powerful skills. In this module, learners will discover that the majority of amygdala triggers can be controlled. Many stressors originate in “assumptions” about what might happen. By developing practices that shift the mental focus from “stories” to facts, people can reclaim control over their mindset and stress levels. When assumptions are set aside, learners will navigate through their current reality, focusing only on how they can either influence positive change or “accept what is”. Thought leader Cy Wakeman says “Your circumstances are the conditions in which you MUST be happy” – so why wait for or wish for a new “reality” in order to experience joy? Why not peel back all of the stress-inducing, joy-killing stories and assumptions and explore how you can be happy and successful under present circumstances?

ALL IN IT TOGETHER! HOW “JOINT ACCOUNTABILITY” SUPPORTS “EXTRAORDINARY” RESULTS

Extraordinary people share a common interest in helping others become the very best version of themselves. They embrace the concept of “empowerment” and can comfortably relinquish control because they genuinely care about human development more than they care about taking credit. This mindset supports a “servantile leadership” philosophy. In this module, learners will practice the art of empowerment in creating a culture of joint accountability. Following clear steps, this module invites learners to challenge their assumptions about “accountability” and “responsibility” and create a new environment where “ownership” is implied in all situations. Leveraging tools including “Partners in Leadership – OZ Accountability Models”, learners will test drive scenarios where if they see a problem…they own the problem…even if it isn’t their problem. As strong leaders, they will also learn how to help others do the same. In these challenging times, the powerful practice of “If I see it I MUST own it” can define and shape extraordinary people and moments.

INNOVATION: ONCE A “DIFFERENTIATOR” – TODAY A NON-NEGOTIABLE

Innovation was once a differentiator among the leadership ranks. Today, it is a non-negotiable essential. Successful leaders, entrepreneurs and influencers are constantly challenging the status quo and pushing the limits in order to remain relevant as an individual and as an organization. Extraordinary people approach innovation with a visionary’s lens… asking unexpected questions and embedding the creative habit into all practices.

This session is broken into online modules where learners will:

• Practice leadership techniques that position innovation as an extension of accountability.
• Explore courage as a key determinant of innovative leadership success.
• Identify what natural “hardwired” traits can impact innovative thinking.

At the end of this learning experience learners will be able to:

1. 1. 1. Identify different methods of problem solving for different thinking styles
      2. Redefine innovation as a “creative process” that is not exclusively for the “creative” types
      3. Stay curious – knowing what questions to ask
      4. Collaborate effectively – leveraging the strengths of others and pursuing personal passions
      5. Take appropriate risks

THE RISKY BUSINESS OF INNOVATION

There is no question that some people are simply more risk averse than others. By nature, humans are hardwired to either prefer the “rush” of exploring uncharted territory or a more stable, predictable situation. The first step in discovering the realities of risk taking is to understand your appetite for it. What is your risk tolerance and how can it be adapted to the need for innovation and change? In this module, learners will unpack the correlations between resisting change and having a low risk threshold. Self-awareness will help to inform appropriate strategies to embrace risk head on – differentiating between calculated risk that results in positive change and reckless abandonment. As innovative thinking unlocks a host of creative solutions, the tolerance for change must increase and the fear of failure must proportionately decrease. If this doesn’t happen, then you could be faced with a whole host of exciting ideas that have no wings. Ideas that stay “grounded” out of fear. A solid strategy to lead through change is often enough to lower the risk, avert the fear and forge ahead with innovation. Part of the strategy includes knowing how to surround yourself with individuals who can support your ideas, navigate through the unknown with you and allow you to stay passionate about your convictions. Learners are encouraged to think about individual risk tolerance, appropriate change management practices and networking for optimal support in the context of driving innovation.

GETTING REAL ABOUT INNOVATION

Today, being innovative is critical and in order to summon your most creative, innovate solutions, you need to first address any myths that might serve as barriers. One of the most pervasive obstacles to unleashing your authentic brain power is the assumption that you must be creative in order to be innovative. This self-imposed road block inhibits the kind of thinking you need to embrace. In this module learners will discover how “real people” can produce extraordinary solutions by first connecting with an individualized thinking style and then understanding how each style can get to the innovative “end game” taking slightly different yet equally effective paths.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

“Before you can think outside the box, you have to have a box”. – Twyla Tharp. Getting to a brilliant solution requires an open mind, a willingness to be wrong and most importantly, a deep understanding of exactly the way things are in the present. Innovation fails when knowledge of current practices, habits, rules and human dynamics are not fully known and accounted for. In this module, learners will leverage concrete tools and models in order to step “inside the box”. The view from within will inform the ideal way to step out. Simulations using a toolkit filled with resources will support learners in developing an innovative mindset.

THE CURIOSITY QUOTIENT

Extraordinary people share this craving…in fact it is an insatiable hunger… to know more and to understand why. They demonstrate relentless curiosity. The ability to take your mind into the open space of curiosity differentiates you from the person who “just knows the right answer”. Uncovering “why” it is the right answer; challenging “how” there might be an even better way; disrupting current practices, processes and ways of thinking are hallmarks of extraordinary leaders. In this module, learners are invited to stretch beyond the limitations of “the way things are” – and explore the way things could be. Curiosity is like a muscle that needs to be flexed regularly and this learning experience offers the optimal exercise routine to maintain an agile, open, and curious mind.